Mikele Leigertwood hungry for FA Cup action

Mikele Leigertwood has asked Reading boss Brian McDermott not to rest him for the FA Cup

Mikele Leigertwood has asked Reading boss Brian McDermott not to rest him for the FA Cup.

Leigertwood scored his first goal for the club against Stevenage in last season’s 2-1 fourth-round win.

And with The Boro opposition once again, Antigua & Barbuda international Leigertwood is relishing the visit of the League One promotion hopefuls, who have lost just once in their last 14.

“I want to play in every game and I’m fit and ready,” declared the 29-year-old midfielder.

“It was a tough game there last season, but we pulled together and scored late. I was pleased to get my first goal for Reading back then as well.

“It’s a competition that people relish here and I know the manager loves it.

“He said to us on the coach on the way back from Cardiff that he wants to go far in it again.

“He said he would put out a strong team and spoke to myself, Kaspars (Gorkss) and Jobi (McAnuff) about the disappointment at Cardiff, (losing 3-1), and getting it right against Stevenage.

“Once you’re winning games, as it proved last year, it breeds confidence and it helped us in our league form.”

Royals have struggled with initial ticket sales for today's game at Madejski Stadium, but a large number of fans are expected to turn up on the day for the first home game of 2012.

“The FA Cup played a big part towards our league form last season,” continued Leigertwood.

“The support we had from the fans was also fantastic.

“When you’re winning and playing well you want to play every day.

“We beat some good sides last season and a lot of people probably weren’t expecting us to get as far as we did.

“We worked hard for each other and showed what we could do. We’re expecting a physical game from Stevenage.

“They’re away from home so there will be less pressure on them and more on us.”

Graham Westley’s side have history when it comes to beating stronger opposition also.

Last season they claimed the scalp of Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United when they crushed the Magpies 3-1 at Broadhall Way in the third round.

And the Stevenage boss is also on the hunt for a third successive promotion since joining the club in 2008.

Reading under-18s are away to Cardiff City today. Eamonn Dolan’s side then begin to gear up towards their FA Youth Cup tie at Madejski Satdium against West Bromwich Albion on January, Wednesday 18 (7pm kick-off).

They beat Middlesbrough 2-1 away in their previous game. Parking at the ground is free of charge and tickets are also reasonably priced. Adult tickets cost just £3, with concessions £1. All tickets will be cash only on the gate.